Properly preparing your home before a professional paint crew arrives is essential. The right interior painting preparation can help protect your property and make the job easier. When interior items have been removed, and surfaces have been prepped, the paint job will go quicker. This is important if the crew is charging you by the hour.
There are several things you can do before the paint crew arrives to ensure the job goes safely and efficiently. This is especially important if you have several rooms or large areas painted. Save yourself time, hassle, and money by following a few simple steps.
Interior Painting Preparation Steps
1. Remove and Cover Furniture
Remove as much furniture as possible from the rooms to be painted. Large bulky items can be moved to the middle of the room and covered with drop cloths or sheets for protection. Moving as much furniture as possible away from walls gives the painters sufficient space to work safely and lessens the risk of damage to your furnishings.
2. Remove Wall Hangings
Wall hangings and decorative items such as picture frames, paintings, clocks, mirrors, and candle holders should be taken off the walls. Wrap each item separately in bubble wrap or other cushioning material to protect them from breakage. Store items in labeled storage boxes or containers in an out-of-the-way area until the fresh paint has thoroughly dried.
3. Protect Rugs and Drapes
Window treatments such as curtains, drapes, and blinds should be removed to protect against paint splatters. Rolling up area rugs and mats and wrapping them with plastic will safeguard them while the painters work. This step is necessary even if the interior house painter is not repainting your ceiling. Area rugs can cause unsafe areas for ladders so removing them or placing them in the middle of the room is best.
4. Remove Electronics and Appliances
Remove all electronics and appliances such as televisions, computers, and sound systems. These expensive items can be damaged if your painters try to remove or relocate them to another area. When it’s impractical to remove heavy or bulky items, cover them to protect against paint splatters. Most interior painters will bring drop cloths to protect your flooring and possessions as much as possible. Anything you can move to another location will speed up the painting process and keep your valuable items protected.
5. Complete Repairs
Once you’ve cleared out a room and removed wall hangings, you will likely notice some scrapes, scratches, or dings in the walls. A smooth surface devoid of any damage is ideal for a beautiful paint job. Small holes in drywall should be filled and sanded. You may be able to make minor drywall repairs on your own. You can also check with your paint contractor to see if they will make repairs for an additional fee.
6. Clean Your Walls and Ceilings
Once all of the furnishings, electronics, and decorative items have been removed or are covered for protection, clean the room. Sweep, mop, or vacuum to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. Vacuum the walls, ceiling, and floor to remove dust and lint particles. Dirt, dust, or grime on your walls can show through a fresh coat of paint. It’s important to clean all surfaces before paint is applied. Ask your paint contractor if this is something they will do or if you should take care of it.
Other Considerations
Here are a few other things to consider before the paint crew arrives:
- Designate a specific bathroom for the painters’ use. Clear out personal items your family might need to access.
- Set aside a spot for the crew to leave their supplies and equipment. An area inside the garage or under a carport is a good place for these items. This minimizes the amount of time they have to spend going back and forth to their vehicles to retrieve items.
- Keep pets and children out of active work areas. Consider having them stay with friends or family while the work is being done to minimize the chance of accidents or distractions.
Talk to Your Paint Contractor
Most professional painting contractors will do minor repairs and some prep work, but some clients prefer to save money and do some of it on their own. When you contract with a painting company, ask what you need to do regarding site preparation. These details should be in writing, so you have plenty of time to prepare your home before the painters arrive. Be sure to find out the following:
- Will the crew make minor repairs?
- Who should repair nail holes and small blemishes?
- Will they clean surfaces or should you?
- What cleaning methods work best for prepping walls?
- Will they cover or move heavy furniture or bulky items?
Interior paint contractors have done this type of work many times, and they know what works and what often gets overlooked. Discuss with them the interior painting preparation steps you should take. A little advance preparation on your part is the best way to ensure your project is completed safely and quickly.
Trust The Painting Pros to Deliver High-Quality Results
The Painting Pros, Inc. is a high-quality, award-winning painting contractor. Since 1978, we’ve served homeowners, business owners, and property managers across the San Jose area. When it’s time to update your home, call The Painting Pros to discuss your needs. Our team of painting professionals handles jobs of all sizes, and we’re ready to help you transform your home with a new paint job.
We have been recognized as one of the most reliable and professional contractors on Angie’s List, Google, Yelp, and HomeAdvisor. Call (408) 418-9912 or contact us online to schedule a free estimate.